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Catholic Charities NH: 'It was clear the Brickyard location is not a practical option'

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A Rochester Listens facilitator, left, speaks with Econ Dev. Chief Mike Scala, planning chief Shanna Saunders and Mayor Paul Callaghan during last Thursday's Listening Session at the Gonic School. Right, Jeff Lefkovich of CCNH (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - Rochester city leaders didn't listen, but apparently Catholic Charities of New Hampshire did.
The nonprofit notified The Rochester Voice on Wednesday that it had ended its quest to build a 150-apartment complex at the former Gonic Brickyard.
The decision came after back-to-back public meetings in which Gonic residents pilloried the effort saying it would destroy the fabric of their community and lead to increased traffic, noise and crime in the village.
"Catholic Charites NH will not be moving forward with the Gonic property," Michael McDonough, executive director of marketing and communications, wrote in an email to The Voice. "While we are focused on creating opportunities to address the lack of affordable housing across New Hampshire, we would only do so if it respects the history, integrity and character of the community and incorporates the perspectives of local towns/cities and residents. Listening and hearing resident concerns last week, it was clear the Brickyard location is not a practical option."

Despite the unanimous voice of Gonicians against the complex during two recent public meetings, city planning director Shanna Saunders said at the end of last Thursday's "listening session" that Gonic residents could look forward to more chances to comment on their displeasure as the process to rezone the area and build the complex moved forward.

While city leaders seemed bent on continuing the dialogue, it appears as though Catholic Charities NH decided to throw in the towel.

The Rochester Voice today submitted Right to Know requests for any funds the city may pay or has already paid to defray Catholic Charities NH's costs while under the purchase and sale agreement signed in July; and also documentation showing that, in fact, the nonprofit voluntarily backed out of the deal.

If the nonprofit did voluntarily back out, the city of Rochester would be entitled to the $10,000 deposit forked over by the nonprofit.

Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan, Economic Development Director Mike Scala and City Manager Blaine Cox were not immediately available for comment today.

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